Rocker switch
A rocker switch that can include multiple redundancy at each position. Specifically, the rocker switch is a two-position rocker switch with both positions in line and with double or triple redundancy at each position. The rocker switch still provides a user with definitive snap “on” switching and the snap positions which can be used to activate multiple redundant internal circuit switches to provide for increased reliability of switch operation.
1. A rocker switch comprising:
a switch head;
a button support attached to said switch head and configured to rotate to a first detent position located on a first side of a center position and a second detent position located on a second side opposing said first side of said center position;
a first lever arm with a first rotation point arranged on said second side;
a second lever arm with a second rotation point arranged on said first side;
a first circuit switch arranged so as to be switched when said first lever arm is rotated about said first rotation point;
a second circuit switch arranged so as to be switched when said second lever arm is rotated about said second rotation point;
a first snap feel mechanism, said first snap feel mechanism comprising:
a first pin having a ball end, a base, and a center section therebetween; and
a first ball bearing;
wherein said first lever pushes said first pin against a first pin biasing mechanism;
wherein, as said first lever pushes said first pin, said first ball bearing is pushed from being adjacent said center section of said first pin and against a first bearing biasing mechanism by said ball end of said first pin; and
wherein said first ball bearing is adjacent said ball end of said first pin when said first lever engages said first circuit switch; and
a second snap feel mechanism, said second snap feel mechanism comprising:
a second pin having a ball end, a base, and a center section therebetween; and
a second ball bearing;
wherein said second lever pushes said second pin against a second pin biasing mechanism;
wherein, as said second lever pushes said second pin, said second ball bearing is pushed from being adjacent said center section of said second pin and against a second bearing biasing mechanism by said ball end of said second pin; and
wherein said second ball bearing is adjacent said ball end of said second pin when said second lever engages said second circuit switch;
wherein moving said switch head in a first direction from a stable position causes:
said button support to rotate from said center position to said first detent position;
said button support to depress said first lever arm about said first rotation point; and
said first lever arm to engage said first circuit switch; and
wherein moving said switch head in a second direction opposing said first direction from said stable position causes:
said button support to rotate from said center position to said second detent position;
said button support to depress said second lever arm about said second rotation point; and
said second lever arm to engage said second circuit switch.
2. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said first snap feel mechanism will bias said button support to said center position.
3. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said second snap feel mechanism will bias said button support to said center position.
4. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said first circuit switch is one of a plurality of switches engaged by said first lever arm.
5. The rocker switch of claim 4 , wherein said plurality of switches engaged by said first lever arm includes two switches.
6. The rocker switch of claim 4 , wherein said plurality of switches engaged by said first lever arm includes three switches.
7. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said switch head is generally a trapezoidal prism.
8. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said switch head is generally a squircle.
9. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said ball end is generally a sphere.
10. The rocker switch of claim 1 , wherein said ball end is generally a capsule.
11. A rocker switch comprising:
a switch head;
a button support attached to said switch head and configured to rotate to a detent position located on a first side of a center position;
a lever arm with a rotation point arranged on a second side opposing said first side of said center position;
a circuit switch arranged so as to be switched when said lever arm is rotated about said rotation point; and
a snap feel mechanism, said snap feel mechanism comprising:
a pin having a ball end, a base, and a center section therebetween; and
a ball bearing;
wherein said lever pushes said pin against a pin biasing mechanism; and
wherein, as said lever pushes said pin, said ball bearing is pushed from being adjacent said center section and against a bearing biasing mechanism by said ball end;
wherein said ball bearing is adjacent said ball end when said lever engages said circuit switch; and
wherein moving said switch head in a first direction from a stable position causes:
said button support to rotate from said center position to said detent position;
said button support to depress said lever arm about said rotation point; and
said lever arm to engage said circuit switch.
12. The rocker switch of claim 11 , wherein said first circuit switch is one of a plurality of switches engaged by said first lever arm.
13. The rocker switch of claim 12 , wherein said plurality of switches engaged by said first lever arm includes two switches.
14. The rocker switch of claim 12 , wherein said plurality of switches engaged by said first lever arm includes three switches.
15. The rocker switch of claim 11 , wherein said switch head is generally a trapezoidal prism.
16. The rocker switch of claim 11 , wherein said switch head is generally a squircle.
17. The rocker switch of claim 11 , wherein said ball end is generally a sphere.
18. The rocker switch of claim 11 , wherein said ball end is generally a capsule.